Improved patient education facilitates adherence to preoperative fasting guidelines.

Preoperative fasting is recognised as an important factor in perioperative patient care. Implementation of guidelines on preoperative fasting remains sub-optimal. We audited perioperative fasting in a district general hospital, implemented changes to the preoperative information leaflet and improved fasting practices. The manner in which information is presented to patients impacts behavior and adherence to recommendations. Improving this domain of clinical practice requires thorough and conscious effort and repeated reassessment.